CTF (4)

The warm, sandy winds of the west whipped at Mike's face as he covertly observed Team 4 from behind a large dune. Squinting against the sun's glare, he discerned two academies: Ringles closest to their position, just about 2km away, while Celestial was further off in the distance.

His observation told him that Ringles Academy seemed to be playing a conservative game. Four of their members were huddled close, forming a strong defensive perimeter around their base. They seemed vigilant, eyes darting around, anticipating any threats. The fifth member was intriguing though; this individual shuttled between Ringles and Celestial, likely sharing intel or perhaps coordinating a combined strategy.

Lost in his observations, Mike almost didn't notice Clara approaching him until she was a few meters away. She moved with the stealth and grace of a panther, her footsteps almost silent against the shifting sands.

She whispered, her voice just audible against the desert winds, "How's it looking?"

Mike glanced at her and quickly relayed his observations, "Ringles is playing it safe – four on defense. One's acting as a messenger, going between them and Celestial."

Clara followed his gaze, noting the movement. "And traps?" she queried.

Mike was about to reply when Clara pointed to a specific area near Ringles' base. "See there? They're setting up sticky bombs at their entrances. And if you look closely, some bear traps scattered around."

Mike nodded, "Good eye. They're definitely beefing up their defenses."

Clara checked her bracelet. The light was still bright green, but they both knew time was ticking. "We should head back," she advised.

Mike agreed, "Yeah, we're nearing the 10-minute mark. Let's regroup."

With a last, lingering look at the opposing teams, Mike and Clara turned, making their way swiftly and silently back to their base in the forest.

As the muted green light from their bracelets illuminated the dimly lit forest base, the team gathered around a makeshift table made from logs and large leaves. Zero, taking charge, prompted the team to share their findings.

Zero began, "From the top of the mountain, I had a clear vantage point. To our right is Solstice, and next to them is Team 2 in the plains, that's Astral and Cascade. Directly opposite us in the north, we have Team 3. Our neighbors to the west are Ringles and Celestial, Team 4. Mike, Clara, what did you both find?"

Mike leaned in, "Ringles is in full defensive mode. Four of them are guarding their base while the fifth is constantly moving between Ringles and Celestial, sharing info or coordinating. They're setting up sticky bombs and bear traps around their perimeter."

Clara added, "And it appears they haven't set any traps near our base yet. It seems like they're focusing on fortifying their own territory first."

Zero nodded, absorbing the information. "Orion, Aurelia, how did our defenses set up?"

Orion replied, grinning with a hint of pride, "We've set up a series of tripwires linked to noise makers. Should give us an early warning. And for closer threats, Aurelia's crafted some clever snares that'll immobilize any intruders."

Aurelia chimed in, "I've also added a few camouflaged pitfalls. They won't be deadly, but they'll certainly give anyone a shock."

Zero processed the information quickly. "Alright, given the defensive stance of Ringles, I believe it's our best shot for a raid. If they're on the defensive, it might mean they're not prepared for an offensive push."

Mike agreed, "Their defenses are strong but predictable. We can go from the top or the sides."

Zero continued, "Mike, Clara, Orion, and I will lead the raid on Ringles. Aurelia, I'm entrusting our base to you. You know our traps better than anyone. If we get company, use them."

Aurelia nodded, her demeanor serious. "Understood. Just make sure to keep your bracelets green, alright?"

Orion clapped Zero on the back, "Let's give them a surprise, shall we?"

***

The vast plains area stretched out before Kolson and Ares, the tall grass waving like an endless sea in the wind. They had successfully navigated through and approached one of Team 2's bases, the flag of Astral Academy tantalizingly close.

The plains were silent, save for the whispering of the wind. As the two made their way, Ares' stomach let out an audible grumble. "Hey, Kolson," Ares began, trying to sound casual but his tone betrayed a tinge of mischief. "After all this, you think we could grab a burger or something? I'm starving."

Kolson shot him a bemused look, the weight of their mission pressing down on him. "Really, Ares? Now's not the time."

"Hey, a guy's gotta eat," Ares shrugged, grinning cheekily. "Speaking of directions," he continued, "why'd we go right again? I mean, isn't left usually... luckier?"

Kolson sighed, thinking how sometimes explaining things to Ares felt like explaining calculus to a toddler. "The left side leads to our combined base - the NSE academy's side. Since we're essentially on our own for this, it makes more sense to focus on the academy to our right. They're our immediate competitors. And given our positioning, it's not feasible to go after the northern team. They're too far."

Ares made a show of poking his finger into his ear, twisting it around. "Yeesh. You talk way too much. Sometimes I regret asking."

With an exaggerated roll of his eyes, Kolson smacked Ares playfully on the back. "You asked for an explanation. Don't blame me for being thorough."

Their banter ceased when the Astral Academy base came into view. The base was semi-fortified, made of tall wooden walls, with small watchtowers on each corner. Flags flew high, but the one they were after was at the very center, elevated on a raised platform. The entrance appeared to be guarded, but there were blind spots that a skilled infiltrator could exploit.

Kolson, always the tactician, scanned the area, noting key positions. He signaled to Ares with a series of hand gestures. "Stay low, move silently. We get the flag and then get out."

Ares, with his ever-present bravado, scoffed. "You worry too much. It's just Astral. How tough can they be?"